I'm taken aback and so appreciative of everyone taking time to respond.

To answer one of the questions, my therapist is aware of many of my parts. When I was ready to begin working on things concerning my DID, I brought in a notebook with names and ages - things that I had come to learn and understand during a 5 month residential stay for my eating disorder. We went through, one by one, and I shared what little information I had about them. I was, and still am, quite resistant and fearful. But, I do recognize the support, consistency, understanding, and care that my T offers me. She's never once questioned me and has been a stable, positive force in my life over the past year. I don't take that for granted for a moment. While she isn't experienced with DID as a diagnosis, she has been more than willing to walk alongside me and learn with me. And, that, to me, is more important than having worked with someone with that particular diagnosis before.

I know my therapist has "met" and communicated with one of my little parts; we can call her L (I'm still fearful of sharing any of this so baby steps, I suppose). I don't know to what extent they've communicated as I have limited shared consciousness with any part. I think L is the only part I have any true awareness of; sometimes, it's as though I'm watching a movie and can see, hear, and feel what she is experiencing. But, it is inconsistent at best. L has definitely pushed back against my T and can test boundaries. My therapist has taken it in stride. I wonder if she thinks poorly of L. I'm not sure how I feel about her myself...

I'm certain my T has come up against some of my other parts. However, I think some parts are so similar to me that it would be difficult to know for sure. Even I don't know how many parts are there, but I've shared as much information with her as I have. Well, perhaps not, but I have shared what I was able to without feeling too vulnerable.

I am going to put the picture and the stuffed animal into my bag tomorrow night so I don't forget it. I think it's important to bring in. My fear, guilt, and shame is overwhelming, but I think it will make a difference. At least to L. And, I think I want to support her in that...